The 2026 NFL offseason has come and gone, and with it, a host of significant trades and free-agent signings. As we look back on these moves, it's clear that some teams made bold, risky decisions, while others played it safe. In this article, I'll be re-grading the biggest trades and free-agent signings of the 2026 NFL offseason, focusing on the most notable veteran roster additions. From the Bears' trade of WR DJ Moore to the Bills to the Broncos' acquisition of WR Jaylen Waddle, we'll be taking a critical look at each move and its implications. So, let's dive in and see how these trades and signings stack up.
The Bears Trade WR DJ Moore to the Bills
Grade: B+
The Bears traded WR DJ Moore to the Bills for a 2026 2nd-round pick and a 2026 5th-round pick. While Moore hasn't eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards since 2023, he could be Buffalo's lead pass-catcher and bring much-needed speed to the team's aerial attack. However, his receiving yard totals have been on the decline over the last two years, and he ceded targets to younger pass-catchers last season. The Bills needed to bolster their wide receiver group, but they did so at a costly price. In my opinion, the Bears got a good deal, while the Bills took a risk. The Bills' grade is lower than the Bears' because they gave up a 5th-round pick for a player who hasn't been consistent in recent years.
The Broncos Acquire WR Jaylen Waddle from the Dolphins
Grade: B+
The Broncos traded a 2026 1st-round pick, a 2026 3rd-round pick, and a 2026 4th-round pick for WR Jaylen Waddle. Waddle played second fiddle to Tyreek Hill for most of his time in Miami, but he can be the lead pass-catcher in Denver. The Broncos took advantage of the Dolphins' rebuild process, and Waddle will have competition for targets. However, his big-play ability could lead to gaudy weekly numbers and career highs this year. The Dolphins' grade is lower than the Broncos' because they gave up a 1st-round pick for a player who hasn't been consistent in recent years.
The Browns and Rams Swap Edge Myles Garrett and Edge Jared Verse
Grade: C for the Browns, A for the Rams
The Rams made a win-now move for Garrett, who etched his name into the NFL history books as the all-time single-season sack leader. The Browns got Jared Verse, a 2027 1st-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 conditional third-round pick. The Browns' grade is lower than the Rams' because they gave up a proven talent for draft capital. Garrett will immediately elevate the Rams' pass defense, but the Browns may have been able to get more from the Rams with Garrett coming off a historic season.
The Chiefs Trade CB Trent McDuffie to the Rams
Grade: A for the Chiefs, B- for the Rams
The Rams traded a 2026 1st-round pick, a 2026 5th-round pick, a 2026 sixth-round pick, and a 2027 3rd-round pick for CB Trent McDuffie. McDuffie earned All-Pro honors in 2023 and 2024, but he had some inconsistencies in coverage. The Chiefs used their draft capital wisely, bundling a third-rounder with Los Angeles' fifth-round pick in a trade up for top cornerback prospect. The Rams' grade is lower than the Chiefs' because they gave up a 1st-round pick for a player who has had inconsistencies in coverage.
The Giants Trade DT Dexter Lawrence II to the Bengals
Grade: B+ for the Bengals, A for the Giants
The Bengals traded a 2026 1st-round pick for DT Dexter Lawrence II. The Giants got a top-10 pick for a player coming off a down year. The Bengals should be more resistant against the run with Lawrence on the interior, and the Giants used the Bengals' pick to select offensive lineman. The Giants' grade is higher than the Bengals' because they got a top-10 pick for a player who has proven himself in the past.
The Panthers Sign Edge Jaelan Phillips
Grade: B
The Panthers signed edge Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million deal. Phillips has missed nine or more games in two out of five seasons, and he hasn't logged a double-digit sack campaign. The Panthers had the cap space to invest in a position of need, but Phillips' injury history is a huge risk. If he avoids significant injuries, he'll lead the Panthers in sacks and pressures, but his track record suggests his pass-rushing numbers may be closer to average than exceptional.
The Patriots Acquire WR A.J. Brown from the Eagles
Grade: A for the Patriots, B- for the Eagles
The Eagles traded WR A.J. Brown to the Patriots for a 2027 5th-round pick and a 2028 1st-round pick. Brown had issues with the Eagles offense, and the Patriots picked up a No. 1 receiver without giving up a first-round pick. The Patriots' grade is higher than the Eagles' because they got a proven receiver without giving up a high draft pick. The Eagles' grade is lower than the Patriots' because they gave up a 1st-round pick for a player who had issues with the team.
The Raiders Sign C Tyler Linderbaum
Grade: A
The Raiders signed C Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million deal. Linderbaum played for a perennial contender and chose to sign with a franchise that's been in a perpetual rebuild. In Year 1 with the Raiders, Cousins and Linderbaum will set the foundation for the offense. Linderbaum's impact on the Raiders offense could be similar to that of former NFL center Rodney Hudson.
The Ravens Sign Edge Trey Hendrickson
Grade: B-
The Ravens signed edge Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal. Hendrickson left the Bengals for greener pastures within the division. The Ravens paid a premium for an edge-rusher coming off an injury-shortened campaign, but Hendrickson's short-term durability remains a question mark in his age-32 campaign.
The Vikings Sign QB Kyler Murray
Grade: A
The Vikings signed QB Kyler Murray to a one-year, $1.3 million deal. Murray is a two-time Pro Bowler and former No. 1 overall pick with respectable passing numbers. The Vikings' low-risk, high-reward signing at quarterback gives them a chance to re-evaluate their plan for J.J. McCarthy after he struggled mightily last season. Murray could revitalize his career in a new chapter with the Vikings.
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